Standing in the face of hate and islamophobia in Quebec, a group of McGill Alumni is raising funds to support and encourage students advocating for a more inclusive and harmonic society.

On January 29, 2017, at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec (CCIQ), six men lost their lives and many others were injured while praying at their local mosque, due to a vicious mass shooting fueled by hate and islamophobia. In response to this heinous act, the McGill community came together to commemorate the memory of the victims. In a tree planting ceremony, McGill established the CCIQ Memorial Award in 2018 which aims at encouraging efforts for greater harmony, understanding and coexistence in Quebec society.

The award, valued at $1,200, is given to up to two full-time undergraduate or graduate students in a McGill degree program with good standing who have:

• Demonstrated a commitment to fostering the inclusion of Muslims within Quebec and Canadian society
• Characteristics of service and dedication
• Worked with other groups or individuals in society to build bridges and understanding
• Acted publicly in ways that helped improve the image and public opinion regarding Muslims
• Participated in outreach activities undertaken by Muslim groups or by others towards Muslims

Source: MuslimLink.ca